Anxiety Treatment and Telehealth Near Me: Get Help in Your State

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• ADHD significantly affects focus, organization, working memory, and impulse control, often disrupting daily routines and responsibilities.

• ADD is no longer used; ADHD now recognizes inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined presentations across a symptom spectrum.

• Genetic predispositions, neurological differences, and environmental influences such as toxins or stress all contribute to ADHD development.

• Effective ADHD treatment involves adapted CBT, mindfulness practices, lifestyle adjustments, strong support networks, and structured daily strategies.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a condition that affects how the brain manages attention, activity, and self-control. If you have ADHD, you might find it hard to focus on tasks, stay organized, remember appointments, or resist acting on sudden impulses. These difficulties aren’t caused by laziness or a lack of motivation. They come from real differences in the brain’s wiring and chemistry, which influence how someone processes information and controls their actions. For this reason, ADHD is recognized by health professionals as a genuine medical condition, not just a problem with discipline.

ADHD is often linked to childhood, but it often continues into adulthood. Adults with ADHD usually struggle with work, relationships, and daily tasks. They might be unfairly labeled as careless or undisciplined when, in reality, they are coping with a legitimate medical condition.

Understanding that ADHD is real and manageable can help with self-compassion and finding the right support. Many adults aren’t diagnosed until later in life, so learning more about ADHD is an important first step.

What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?

1. Predominantly inattentive presentation: Individuals struggle to pay attention, follow instructions or remember details. They may appear quiet or daydreamy rather than restless. They often lose items, miss appointments or find themselves easily distracted by unrelated thoughts.
2. Predominantly hyperactive‑impulsive presentation: Restlessness, constant movement, interrupting others and acting without thinking are prominent. A person might fidget, talk excessively or feel an internal sense of motor driven energy.
3. Combined presentation: Both inattentive and hyperactive‑impulsive behaviors are present. Many adults with ADHD fall into this category because they exhibit symptoms from both groups.

Using ADHD with these presentations eliminates confusion and reflects current scientific understanding. Even if you have always called it ADD, today’s clinicians will diagnose ADHD with the appropriate presentation. Knowing which presentation you fit into helps tailor treatment strategies to your unique challenges.

What causes ADHD and what are the common symptoms?

Causes and risk factors

ADHD does not arise from a single cause. Researchers believe it results from a combination of genetic, neurological and environmental factors that influence brain development. Having a close relative with ADHD increases the likelihood of developing the condition, suggesting a strong genetic component. Brain imaging shows differences in regions that regulate attention, planning and impulse control. Environmental influences possibly include prenatal exposure to alcohol or nicotine, complications during birth, early exposure to toxins such as lead or living in high stress environments. Although no one can pinpoint why one person develops ADHD and another does not, understanding these influences helps reduce stigma. It is important to note that ADHD is not the result of poor parenting or lack of discipline.

Common symptoms

People with ADHD typically experience a cluster of behaviors related to inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. You may recognize several of these signs:

• Inattention: difficulty sustaining focus on tasks or conversations, easily distracted by background noises or unrelated thoughts, frequently misplacing items, forgetting appointments or failing to finish projects because you move on to something else.
• Hyperactivity: a feeling of inner restlessness, the need to fidget or move constantly, talking excessively, finding it hard to stay seated for extended periods and feeling as if you are driven by an internal motor.
• Impulsivity: blurting out answers before questions are finished, interrupting conversations, acting without considering consequences and making hasty decisions that you later regret.

Not everyone experiences all of these behaviors. Some individuals mainly struggle with focus, others feel constantly on the go and many experience a mixture. Symptoms must be persistent and interfere with daily functioning for a clinician to diagnose ADHD. Adults may notice that hyperactivity becomes more internal with age, showing up as mental restlessness or a constant sense of being “on edge.” Recognizing these patterns in yourself can help you decide whether to seek an evaluation.

How is ADHD diagnosed and what does the diagnostic process involve?

Diagnosing ADHD is a comprehensive process that requires input from a trained professional. There is no single blood test or brain scan that confirms it. Instead, clinicians rely on multiple sources of information about your history, behavior and functioning across different settings. A diagnostic assessment typically involves the following components:

• Clinical interview: A psychologist, psychiatrist or licensed therapist asks about your symptoms, how long they have been present and how they affect your life. They explore childhood experiences, educational history, work performance and any previous mental health concerns. The clinician also asks about your strengths and areas where you have found effective coping strategies.
• Standardized questionnaires and rating scales: You complete forms designed to measure attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. In some cases a partner, family member or close friend also provides input to give an outside perspective on your behavior. These questionnaires help compare your experiences against normative data for adults.
• Functional assessment: The evaluator looks at how symptoms impact your performance at work, home and in relationships. They rule out other conditions such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders or thyroid issues that can mimic ADHD. This process ensures that other medical explanations are considered.
• Review of medical and developmental history: Past medical records, birth information and developmental milestones can offer clues. Clinicians may ask whether you had difficulties with speech, motor skills or behavior during early childhood. Although ADHD often persists from childhood, many adults do not realise they had symptoms until later.

After gathering information, the clinician determines whether your symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the professional identifies the presentation (inattentive, hyperactive‑impulsive or combined) and discusses next steps. A thorough evaluation helps ensure the diagnosis is accurate and guides appropriate treatment.

What are the treatment options for ADHD? What are the possible solutions and treatments?

Therapy and skill building

Psychotherapy teaches practical skills for managing ADHD and addresses the emotional impact of living with the condition. A mixed methods study published in 2024 summarised previous evidence showing that adults with ADHD who engaged in adapted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) reported significantly reduced symptoms and increased self efficacy.

Participants in a pilot randomised controlled trial and a cohort study found that adapted CBT led to symptom reduction and improved confidence in managing ADHD, with very few dropouts. These findings suggest that tailored CBT is acceptable and beneficial for adults with ADHD.

A 2025 network meta analysis evaluated multiple non medication interventions for adults with ADHD and concluded that CBT shows significantly greater effectiveness than control conditions for reducing core symptoms in both the short term and the long term. The analysis noted that CBT also reduces depression and anxiety, making it a versatile intervention. Mindfulness based cognitive therapy was recommended as a preferable option for individuals without comorbidities, though researchers emphasised the need for high quality trials to confirm these benefits. These studies underscore the importance of therapy as a cornerstone of ADHD treatment.

Key therapy approaches include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy: CBT helps you identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and replace them with productive patterns. Sessions often focus on time management, organization, goal setting and problem solving. Therapists teach techniques for breaking tasks into manageable steps, using reminders and challenging negative beliefs about yourself. Homework between sessions helps you practize new skills in daily life.
• Mindfulness based interventions: Mindfulness teaches you to focus on the present moment and accept thoughts without judgment. Practices such as deep breathing, guided meditation and mindful movement can improve attention and reduce mental chatter. Some people combine mindfulness with CBT to strengthen self awareness and emotional regulation.
• Psychoeducation and coaching: Learning about ADHD helps you understand why certain tasks feel hard and gives you tools to manage challenges. Coaches can assist with planning, prioritizing tasks, using planners and apps, and maintaining accountability. Psychoeducation empowers you to advocate for accommodations at work or school and to explain your needs to others.

Lifestyle adjustments

Changes to daily habits can significantly reduce ADHD symptoms and support overall health:

• Sleep: Aim for a consistent sleep schedule. Lack of rest worsens attention and impulsivity. Create a calming evening routine, avoid caffeine late in the day and keep electronic devices out of the bedroom to minimise sleep disruption.
• Physical activity: Regular exercise improves mood, sleep and executive functions. Activities like walking, jogging, yoga, tai chi or strength training release neurotransmitters that support focus. Exercise also reduces stress and improves emotional regulation. Even short daily sessions can make a difference.
• Nutrition: Eating balanced meals with protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats stabilises blood sugar and supports brain function. Avoid skipping meals; hunger can lead to irritability and poor concentration. Staying hydrated is equally important.
• Mindful technology use: Set boundaries with phones, social media and digital entertainment. Turn off non essential notifications and schedule specific times to check email or social feeds. Use focus apps to limit distractions when working.
• Support networks: Share your goals with friends or family who can help you stay accountable and celebrate progress. Support groups – whether local gatherings or online communities – connect you with others who understand your experiences. Peer encouragement can make habit changes more sustainable.

What should I do? The first step to take action

1. Educate yourself: Read credible articles and books about ADHD to understand its symptoms, presentations and impact on you. Knowledge reduces shame and empowers you to seek help. Consider starting with resources from TelepsychHealth and reputable health organisations.
2. Observe your symptoms: Keep a journal or notes on when you have trouble focusing, become impulsive or feel restless. Note patterns such as time of day, certain environments or triggers. This record will provide valuable information during an assessment and may reveal connections you have not noticed before.
3. Consult a professional: Reach out to a clinician with experience in adult ADHD. They can conduct an evaluation and determine whether your symptoms meet diagnostic criteria. Telehealth services like TelepsychHealth make it easy to connect with licensed professionals without leaving home. Remember that TelepsychHealth currently serves Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Texas and Utah. You must be physically located in your state during the session to comply with licensing rules.
4. Create a support system: Let trusted friends or family members know you are exploring an ADHD diagnosis. Their support can help you stay consistent with appointments and encourage you as you implement new strategies. Consider joining a support group for adults with ADHD to share experiences and learn from others.

Take small steps: Implement one or two new strategies at a time, such as using a calendar app or practising mindfulness for five minutes each day. Small changes add up over time and build confidence. Celebrate incremental progress rather than expecting perfection.

Additional Resources from TelepsychHealth

• How to Focus with ADHD – This guide discusses practical techniques like the five minute rule, body doubling and structured routines.
• Managing Adult ADHD: Understanding, Navigating, and Thriving – This article explores challenges adults face and offers strategies for self management.
• Cerebellar Exercises in Training for ADHD – It introduces brain training and physical exercises designed to enhance attention and coordination.
• Non Medication Treatments for ADHD (Inattention, Distraction and More) – This resource reviews behavioral strategies and brain training tools that do not involve medication.
• Differentiating Between ADHD and Bipolar Diagnoses – This article explains how clinicians distinguish between ADHD and other conditions.

These resources reinforce the strategies discussed in this guide and provide more detailed examples and exercises.

Summary

TelepsychHealth provides comprehensive telehealth services tailored to adults with ADHD across multiple states. By combining evidence based therapy, personalized coaching and convenient access, TelepsychHealth helps clients develop practical skills, improve focus and live fulfilling lives. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit their States We Service page and connect with a provider licensed in your state.